Who are the only two Nigerian stars to have played for Arsenal?

• TheRadar highlights the careers of the only two Super Eagles players to have played for Arsenal FC
• We take an extensive look into how these players made notable impacts during their time at Arsenal and beyond from Nwankwo Kanu’s successful spell to Iwobi’s brilliance in midfield
• While their careers had its ups and downs, they are remembered for both their on-field performances and their personal stories

Arsenal Football Club has been home to a few of Nigeria’s finest footballing talents, with players who left lasting legacies both on and off the pitch. 

From Nwankwo Kanu’s trophy-laden stint to Alex Iwobi’s rise from the academy to the world stage, these Super Eagles stars have carried their nation’s pride while etching their names into Arsenal’s history. 

Notably, several Super Eagles players have made it to the Arsenal academy but these two Nigerians are the only players to have made appearances for Arsenal’s senior team.

Here are the inspiring stories of two remarkable Nigerian players who donned the famous red and white jersey.

Facts about Nigerian stars who played for Arsenal

TheRadar has compiled in much detail some interesting facts about past Super Eagles players of Arsenal FC:

Nwankwo Kanu



Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time, Kanu’s story is not just about trophies and accolades but also about giving back to society. Born in Owerri, Nigeria, Kanu began his professional career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale before moving to Ajax in the Netherlands. His time in Amsterdam was decorated with silverware, including three Eredivisie titles and a UEFA Champions League medal, making him a rising star on the global stage. At Ajax, he showed unique technical ability, vision, and composure, traits that would later define his illustrious career.

Later on, Kanu's talent caught the attention of Inter Milan, who signed him in 1996. However, his time in Italy was marred by health challenges, as he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Despite undergoing surgery and a lengthy recovery, Kanu made an impressive return to football.

In February 1999, Arsène Wenger brought Kanu to Arsenal for £4.15 million. His debut for the Gunners was shrouded in controversy, however, Kanu quickly won over fans with his goal-scoring prowess. The 1999–2000 season was particularly memorable, as Kanu scored 17 goals in 50 appearances, including a 15-minute hat-trick against Chelsea to turn a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 victory. His two-fingered salute, a demonstration of Arsenal’s nickname, “The Gunners”, became a fan favourite celebration.

Though his appearances saw a downward spiral with the emergence of Thierry Henry, Kanu remained a vital squad member, helping Arsenal secure the 2003 FA Cup and becoming part of the legendary “Invincibles” team that went unbeaten in the 2003–04 Premier League season. 

After leaving Arsenal in 2004, Kanu joined West Bromwich Albion and later Portsmouth, where he added another FA Cup to his collection in 2008. 

His guest appearance in Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial game at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium proved his popularity amongst his peers, as he scored the first winning goal in the match.

Kanu’s impact transcended football. Motivated by his health struggles, he founded the Kanu Heart Foundation in 2000 to provide life-saving surgeries for children with heart defects. 

The foundation has built five hospitals across Africa and continues to change lives. Additionally, Kanu has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and an ambassador for digital TV operator StarTimes.

With accolades including an Olympic gold medal, two African Player of the Year awards, and 12 club trophies, Kanu’s career is an inspiration to many young African footballers. 

Alex Iwobi

Former Arsenal player currently plying his trade as a midfielder for Fulham in the Premier League and representing Nigeria on the international stage, Iwobi’s career so far has been nothing short of inspiring.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Alex Iwobi relocated to England at the tender age of four, following a brief time in Turkey. Settling in London, he honed his skills in Newham, guided by a family football legacy. 

His maternal uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, remains one of Africa’s most celebrated players, while his father, Chuka Iwobi, also had a stint in professional football.

Iwobi’s footballing career began at Arsenal, where he joined the club’s youth setup and steadily rose through the ranks. His first call into the senior football squad came as an unused substitute in a League Cup match in 2013, but it wasn’t until October 2015 that he made his competitive debut against Sheffield Wednesday. Four days later, he made his Premier League debut against Swansea City, stepping in for Mesut Özil.

Iwobi’s breakthrough season came in 2015–16, during which he scored in consecutive Premier League matches against Everton and Watford. His consistency quickly earned him a regular spot, and he played important roles in Arsenal’s successful FA Cup and Community Shield campaigns in 2017. 

Notably, Iwobi scored Arsenal’s lone goal in the 2019 Europa League final, a bittersweet moment as the Gunners fell 4–1 to Chelsea. In August 2019, Iwobi made a £28 million switch to Everton. 

Over four seasons with the Toffees, he evolved into a more central figure, both as a creative midfielder and a tireless midfielder.  

Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria internationally, Iwobi initially played for England’s youth teams, winning the 2011 Victory Shield. However, in 2015, he pledged his allegiance to Nigeria, making his senior debut against DR Congo in a friendly. 

Iwobi became an integral part of the Super Eagles, featuring in major tournaments such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

A standout moment came in 2017 when Iwobi’s crucial goal against Zambia secured Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup. In the 2023 AFCON, Iwobi’s consistency was crucial as Nigeria reached the final, ultimately finishing as runners-up to host Ivory Coast. 

The player has endured criticism from both home fans and fans abroad, including a high-profile racism incident in 2019 but has remained very calm in all of these situations.

Taye Taiwo, Taribo West and other Super Eagles stars to have played for AC Milan

Previously, TheRadar reported that it compiled interesting facts about past and present Super Eagles players of AC Milan in detail. If you’re a fan of Nigerian football or AC Milan, this article is your goldmine! It dives deep into the journeys of four standout Super Eagles players who have donned the iconic red and black of the Rossoneri. 

From Taribo West's unique hairstyle and robust defending to Taye Taiwo's blistering left-foot strikes, all the way to Samuel Chukwueze's electric wing play, there’s so much history between Nigeria and AC Milan.